Our Testing Experts Say These Are the Best Socks for Women, Period (2024)

Known for their appearance on the TV show Shark Tank, Bombas socks stand out from the rest for their thoughtful design and quality materials. This pair is the brand's oldest product, with features like targeted cushioning, a compressive band around the middle of the foot and a seamless toe for comfort.

In our tests, even though the brand’s socks didn’t stand out for their durability, they were one of our consumer testers’ favorites, with one tester raving "These are the most comfortable socks I've ever worn." Another tester shared, "I want to throw all of my old socks away and fill my hosiery drawer with only Bombas."

Our Lab analysts and product experts are also huge fans, including Executive Director of Textiles Lexie Sachs, who swears by this style for both her personal wardrobe and as gifts. Plus, for every sock sold, the brand donates a pair to those in need. Since 2013, according to the brand, Bombas has donated 75 million items, including socks, T-shirts and underwear.

At around $3 a pair, these socks are a steal, considering their top-notch quality. Amazon reviewers seem to agree: With more than 8,000 reviews — and counting — this style has an average rating of 4.7 stars out of 5.

In Lab tests, they stood out for their dimensional stability, showing little to no shrinkage even after multiple laundering cycles. Testers also gave this pair high scores across the board for overall comfort and fit, with some highlighting the cushioned toe and heel and that they found these socks great for all kinds of weather.

One tester commented, "I like the feel of these socks — they were comfortable to wear and didn't slip down or become uncomfortable as the day went on," while another noted, "There was nothing that I disliked." Although this style is intended for exercise, our analysts find them versatile enough for everyday use. Just note that they received lower scores for appearance from some testers.

Need thin running socks that'll stand up to long-term use? Look no further than these low ankle socks from Smartwool. They're made with a blend of merino wool, nylon and elastane for a mix of comfort and durability, but they have a thickness of only 1 millimeter.

When we evaluated these in the Lab, our analysts were blown away: They outperformed every sock we've ever tested. They barely shrank and showed no signs of wear, even after 10,000 cycles in our abrasion tester. Plus, this style was a leader in moisture-wicking tests and a favorite among testers with sweaty feet.

Multiple testers called these socks "very comfortable," with one reporting, "My feet didn't feel sweaty after physical activity," and another remarking, "There is nothing I dislike about these!" Just note that these socks aren't cushioned, so if you prefer cushioned running socks, Smartwool has a version with targeted cushioning in places prone to blisters, including the heel and toe.

Bombas makes our list again for its no-show socks, which our testers called "the perfect no-show sock" for their soft, lightweight feel and stay-in-place capabilities. Silicone grippers in the back and a thick elastic band around the ankle work together to help increase your confidence that these socks are likely to stay on your feet.

Testers unanimously praised the comfortable feel of the cotton fabric, with one calling it "so thin and breathable, yet substantial enough to stay put." This pair fared well in our evaluations, outscoring other no-show socks in various Lab tests with their respectable abrasion resistance, but they shrank more than some socks we tested. If you're between two sizes, consider sizing up for a more comfortable fit in the long term.

If you're looking for even lower-cut no-show socks for casual or dressy loafers or slip-on shoes like Vans, this pair is ideal. It earned high scores from our consumer testers, who were surprised to find a true no-show sock for their lower-cut shoes that didn't slip down during wear.

A compressive band around the middle of the sock and silicone grips in the back helped this pair stay in place in our tests. They've also got a padded sole, making them more substantial than thin, lightweight options. As a result, some testers found these socks too warm for hot summer weather, so they're better suited to breezy fall and summer days.

The right socks are crucial for staying warm in cold winter weather. This pair is lined with soft, brushed sherpa-like acrylic to trap heat and keep your feet toasty warm. Since they come in a crew height, these socks are excellent for pairing with warm winter boots.

They impressed our analysts with their quality construction, earned respectable scores in Lab tests and received high scores for comfort from testers. One tester from Alaska called them "perfect for keeping [her] feet warm and cozy" and found these socks warmer than similar pairs she's owned. Just note that this option is best for people with size-9 feet and smaller, so those with larger feet should opt for the men's version.

When packing hiking shoes or hiking boots for your next adventure, make sure not to skip hiking socks — they add much-needed cushioning to help keep your feet supported. This style from Darn Tough is one of the most popular hiking socks out there for a reason.

It uses a blend of merino wool, nylon and spandex for a mix of comfort, structure and stretch, and it comes in a midweight thickness for year-round use. Testers gave this pair high scores for its superb cushioning, overall comfort and snug fit. One even shared, "I have hiked many hundreds of miles in Darn Toughs over the years. I have not been able to find a better sock brand. They are extremely durable, last forever and keep me blister-free."

Another tester reported that these socks helped keep their feet sweat-free in the summer and toasty warm in the winter. They're costly, but the socks are "unconditionally guaranteed for life," meaning Darn Tough will send you a new pair if you wear them out. But, based on our tests, our analysts think that's unlikely to happen for most users.

Looking to up your sock game? Check out this fun, mismatched pair from John's Crazy Socks for a wearable twist on the classic bacon-and-eggs breakfast. The brand's co-founder, John Lee Cronin, who has down syndrome, built the company with his father. The idea? To create hilarious, creative socks while giving back.

Five percent of the company's earnings are donated to the Special Olympics. Plus, sales of specific styles benefit other causes, such as autism awareness. The Mismatched Eggs and Bacon Crew Socks were a hit with our testers, who told us they loved wearing these for everything from lounging in their homes to running errands because of the cute design.

If you're a fan of surprises, take note: John's Crazy Socks also offers a mystery sock option for $10. Know, however, that this pair is best for those with women's size-5 to size-9 feet, but the brand offers a men's version that fits those with larger feet.

An irritating top seam can be a nightmare for runners, but these socks are seamless. They're from popular running shoe brand On and are designed for protection and performance. Each sock in a pair has a different contour, with targeted compression and cushioning for your left and right foot, to help provide an ideal stay-in-place fit.

Testers highlighted these socks' breathable feel and support, with one tester noting, "They weren't too hot when running in summer weather," and another raving, "I have flat feet, so my feet hurt all the time, but I felt especially supported in these socks." In the Lab, they stood out with impressive scores in moisture-wicking tests and minimal shrinkage, but they weren't the most durable in our abrasion-resistance tests.

Slouchy, fuzzy socks are a classic part of lounging at home during colder months, and this pair from Barefoot Dreams captures that comfy feeling. They stay in place despite the slouchy style and barely shrank in our tests.

Consumer testers loved the stylish look of these socks, giving them high scores for appearance, with multiple testers raving about their perfect fuzzy texture. Our analysts found the fabric to be undeniably soft in our evaluations, but the top seam may cause discomfort for some users, particularly those with a higher forefoot.

For Pilates lovers and those who swear by barre workout classes, good grip socks are essential. This pair from Tavi Noir was a top choice in our evaluations for its long-lasting grippy bottom — even after multiple laundering cycles! — and durability. Testers gave these socks high ratings for comfort and fit, with multiple testers commenting that these socks didn't slip during any of their workouts, from yoga and barre to Pilates and strength training.

One tester who gave this pair perfect scores for comfort shared, "I didn't feel the grips through the socks too much." Note, however, that this style did shrink more than others we tested, so those between sizes may benefit from sizing up. Also, even though the pair performed well in our moisture-management tests, some testers noted that this style isn't the best option for those prone to sweaty feet.

If sweaty feet are an issue for you, consider opting for the brand's Savvy Breeze Grip Socks, which offer excellent breathability with ventilated mesh at a slightly higher price.

Pair these lounge socks with your next cozy winter movie marathon. They come in tons of classic patterns and feature fluffy acrylic lining for added warmth during colder weather. Testers loved the fun, festive prints and luxuriously soft interior.

Plus, these socks have grippers on the bottom, so you can comfortably walk around the house without the fear of slipping on newly cleaned floors. Just note that these shrank a bit more than similar socks in our tests, so consider air-drying them for long term use.

Compression socks are available in many stores and online, but finding the right pair can be tricky, since there are hundreds of similar styles to choose from. This pair from VIM & VIGR is the best we've ever tested — and a great option for frequent flyers looking to limit swollen ankles or wearers trying to alleviate swelling or boost circulation.

This style is available in solid colors and fun prints, and it stood out for its high scores in both Lab and consumer tester evaluations. One Good Housekeeping Institute product expert has used these socks for more than eight years! "I have several brands of compression socks, but I reach out for these the most," she shared. "They keep my legs feeling strong and energetic, even after being on my feet all day or on a long plane flight."

Our experts also like the neutral look of these socks and how they can be worn with almost any type of everyday footwear. In Lab tests, these socks impressed with their true moisture-wicking fabric and aced abrasion-resistance and shrinkage evaluations. Note, however, that some users pointed out that putting on these socks wasn’t easy, but the long-term comfort more than paid off.

The Good Housekeeping Institute Textiles Lab tests all types of socks — from cushioned hiking socks and knee-high compression socks to everyday no-show socks and fuzzy lounge socks — for overall performance and durability.

This year alone, our analysts and product experts evaluated more than 90 different styles in Lab tests and worked with hundreds of consumer testers to collect feedback on real-life performance. To find the best of the best, our fiber scientists and materials engineers analyzed more than 18,000 data points.

In the Lab, with specialized machinery, our analysts test for things like dimensional stability, washability, abrasion resistance, moisture-wicking and construction, according to industry standards. Our bursting strength tester (pictured) pulls up the fabric of a cut-up lounge sock with increasing pressure to measure the strength needed to burst the knit material.

Socks might seem like a no-brainer purchase, but finding the right ones for you can be a game changer.

✔️ Materials: Socks are typically made using a blend of fibers, including synthetic options like nylon or polyester, which are commonly used for the overall structure or shape of the sock, and spandex or elastane for stretch, helping to ensure a snug fit. Other materials — like cotton, merino wool or acrylic — can add softness, among other perks. For example, cotton has more breathability than most fibers, thanks to the unique structure of its fiber, and merino wool is naturally thermoregulating and moisture-wicking.

✔️ Sizing: For those with smaller or larger feet, consider choosing socks that are available in multiple sizes, rather than one-size-fits-all options, for a better fit — especially for no-show socks.

✔️ Features: Some socks may have unique features, such as a seamless toe, targeted compression or additional cushioning. Make sure to consider whether these options are helpful to you. If you find the top seam of socks irritating, a seamless toe can be a huge relief. If you're on your feet all day, a cushioned sole can feel like an instant upgrade, but if you have sweaty feet, that cushioning might just trap more air and heat.